Tavon Austin: 'I'm the all-around best player in the draft'
Robert Klemko, USA TODAY Sports5:09p.m. EST February 22, 2013

INDIANAPOLIS – Former West Virginia do-it-all wide receiver Tavon Austin says he's the best player available in the NFL draft.

He says he's the fastest player here, too.

"If we all lined up and raced, I think I'd come out on top, but I'm not really a 40 type of guy. I'm a game type of guy," Austin says. "A lot of teams are looking for the type of player who can do multiple things on the field, and I think I can be that guy.

"I think I'm the all-around best player in the draft."

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A potential NFL slot receiver and kick returner, Austin is projected to go in the bottom of the first round in April. He models his game after Wes Welker, but says he's quicker and faster than the New England Patriots wide receiver.

Austin has yet to run a 40-yard dash or bench press 225 pounds at the scouting combine, and says his goal is to run under 4.4 and to rep 15 times. He measured in at 5-8, 174 pounds, and says his fastest-ever 40 time was 4.29 seconds.

He says he'd like to be two inches taller, but it "wasn't in God's plan." Still, he questions those who would equate his size to durability concerns.

"It shouldn't be a problem," he says. "I haven't gotten hurt or missed a game in eight years, so my durability should be really good."

Austin, who owns every major high school rushing record in Maryland, gained 4,444 career yards rushing and receiving in four seasons at West Virginia, including 1,100-plus receiving yards in his junior and senior seasons.

He grew up a fan of his hometown Baltimore Ravens and the Patriots, but says, "I'd like to go anywhere that calls my name. And hopefully I'll be there for a while."

McCluster's speed score, which factored his size in with his 40 was the worst of the entire combine, and no player in NFL history with his speed score ever amounted to anything. The best was Aaron Stecker, who was always a #3 RB/mediocre KR.